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Hunter Hayes says it was 'crazy' and 'breathtaking' to meet to idol Stevie Wonder

Hunter Hayes, Stevie Wonder

Hunter Hayes, left, and Stevie Wonder perform at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

He was up for six ACM Awards, the second most nominated artist this year, and he was up for the prestigious Song of the Year and Single Record of the Year, as well as Video of the Year, for his No. 1 smash "Wanted."

He didn't win.

It turned out to be an even more magical night for Miranda Lambert, who won both the awards, one with her husband Blake Shelton, for "Over You." And Little Big Town won Video of the Year for "Tornado."

So, why was it a "crazy" and magical night for hot country newcomer Hunter Hayes?

"I feel like if I would have won something I would have felt bad; my night was too good, dude," said Hayes in a recent phone interview before tonight's concert at the Breslin Center as part of Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away" tour. (Podcast of interview below.)

Plus, he was up against some "serious competition."

"I am so happy for Miranda in both of those categories," he said. "She beyond deserves it. Talk about a super talented and true artist that everyone can relate to!

"And I was so excited for Little Big Town for taking video. I am just...honored and stoked to be nominated and included in the categories."

But he was most "stoked" about meeting his childhood idol, Stevie Wonder. They played together on Wonder's song "Sir Duke" and later in the ACM show Hayes returned to play drums on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." (Videos below.)

"It's amazing because you look at guy who has helped shape music, and shaped the future of music and redefined music in a lot of his own ways, and then he walks into a room and the guy is warm and friendly," Hayes said.

"He is such an ambassador for good. And his message comes across. He is one of those people who leads by example. I was so inspired....It was breathtaking."

After rehearsals they jammed backstage and also started writing a song together.

So, is there a Hunter Hayes-Stevie Wonder collaboration down the road?

"I think there will be several collaborations," Hayes said. "I don't feel this was a one-time thing. I feel we made a true connection as musicians, which is crazy for me to say. I still see him as a hero. This truth. This bigger than life name."

On the ACM show, Hayes premiered his brand new single "I Want Crazy." The song is his next single from his forthcoming Deluxe CD titled "Hunter Hayes (Encore)," due June 18.